It was New Year’s Eve babe, in the drunk tank, so go the lyrics of Fairytale of New York.

But the reality in Rochester was that a dozen revellers were receiving medical attention as hundreds flocked to bring in 2019.

St John Ambulance had been tasked with running a “drunk tank”, officially called a safe refuge, in Blue Boar Lane, off the High Street.

The voluntary organisation was placed in the centre of town, on hand to help drinkers who may have had one too many as well as those who had hurt themselves.

An ambulance was available if required and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics were told they could take people there if necessary. One person with a medical condition was taken to hospital.

Based on a rough estimate the initiative saved the NHS £8,800, in ambulance trips, 999 calls, A&E visits and overnight stays at hospital.

Spokesman Kate Rutsch said: “We hope the care and assistance our volunteers gave not only helped people get home safely after their night out, but reduced demand placed on the NHS on one of the busiest nights of the year.”

Whether it be due to over-indulgence during the festive period or simply because they want a fresh start, estimates show that one in 10 of those partygoers will be getting on the wagon this month.

Dry January, which asks people to give up the booze for 31 days, has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Nationally 4.2 million people have sworn to kick the bottle to the kerb this month, according to the charity which organises the challenge, Alcohol Change UK.

That equates to 18,300 of the 87% of adults in Medway who drink.

Chief executive Dr Richard Piper said: “Dry January can change lives. Many of us know about the health risks of alcohol but we are often unaware that drinking less has more immediate benefits too.

“Sleeping better, feeling more energetic, saving money, better skin, losing weight. The list goes on.”

Alcohol abstinence in Medway is less popular than in other parts of the country.

Around 13% of people say they live booze-free lives, compared to 15% across England.

However, the area has one of the lowest populations of heavy drinkers in the country.

Around 17% of people say they drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week — the NHS’ recommended safe limit and the equivalent of more than six pints of average strength beer or six standard glasses of wine — compared to 26% across England.